ALCHEMY OF EARTH RETREAT
Retreat into the Ritual of Creative Living
YOGA, AYURVEDA & NATURAL DYES
Journey to the Yuba River in the heart of Northern California for a 4-day yoga and wellness retreat. Discover the art of creative living. Reconnect to body and soul through daily yoga practices rooted in the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda. Discover self-care rituals that align with the rhythms of the Earth. Nourish your creative potential with a workshop series on the art of natural dyeing. Join for an intimate gathering of connection, intuition and inspiration.
4 days + 3 Nights
May 21 - 24, 2026
WILDERNESS IMMERSION TO THE YUBA
Explore the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the sacred Yuba River. If you ask any local, they’ll tell you the Yuba is a place like no other. Come to be cleansed, inspired, or simply soak the crystal clear waters for rejuvenation. We believe Nature is medicine and beneath all our conditioning, it’s our inherent state of being. Through wilderness immersion, we reconnect with the land, the plants, the animals and the subtle rhythms of the river to strengthen our intuition, creative flow and connection to life. A return to nature is a way home to ourselves.
Discover the 5,000 year-old ancient wisdom of Ayurveda “the science of life” + rituals for self-care
Ethical harvesting + wildcrafting lessons
Learn healing properties of native plants + medicine making
Afternoon garden & Yuba River Trip
Two Creative Workshops on Natural Dyeing using plants such as Indigo, Turmeric, Eucalyptus
ELEMENT-INSPIRED YOGA MOVEMENT
Enjoy two yoga classes daily, intended to inspire embodied awareness and personal expression.
Each class is guided with mindfulness, alignment focus, and Ayurvedic principles to integrate body, mind and heart. Morning Asana is inspired by solar energy, a Vinyasa class unfolding consciousness through the dance of breath with movement. In the afternoon, we wind down the day with a lunar-inspired practice such as Restorative, Aromatherapy Grounding Flow, or Yoga Nidra. One can expect meditation, pranayama, breath awareness, mudra and mantra.
Whether an seasoned practitioner or new yogi, instruction and modifications are given for each individual explore one’s potential.
NATURAL DYE WORKSHOPS
Enjoy two thorough and fun natural dye workshop days with Kristin Arazt! In ancient Vedic science, plants can simultaneously offer medicinal and healing benefits to cloth and our bodies, a practice known as Ayurvastra in India. We will go in-depth with natural indigo dyeing and resist techniques and immersion dyeing through mordant printing. Using only organic plant matter, you will gain knowledge and experiment with the art of natural dyeing. You will take home samples in a variety of colors and fibers. Our first workshop day will be totally focused on natural indigo dyeing, and our second workshop day will dive into print pastes and immersion dyeing with mordant dyes.
All workshop materials are included, but you are also welcome to bring your own small, natural fiber items to dye.
THE AYURVEDIC NOURISHMENT
Enjoy a retreat menu intentionally crafted to nourish and heal. Each meal is made with Ayurvedic principles that align with the transition of seasons and the local harvest.
We believe food is medicine and our chef, prepares each dish with enthusiasm, mindfulness and love. All meals are plant-based with organic ingredients that are sourced for their high quality, nutrient-dense and nourishing essence. We support our local farmers when possible. If you have any special dietary needs or restrictions, we can happily accommodate.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Our home away from home is nestled on 100 acres of forest-views, creek waterfalls and private trails with the beloved Yuba River a short meander away.
With the backdrop of nature’s sounds, the aromas of old pine and oak trees, the medicinal plants that live in the winding trails, our weekend getaway is the ideal place for rejuvenation, rest and reconnection.
Intentional in design, the home itself holds an artistic aesthetic. With a big sunny deck to overlooking the forest, it’s easy to bathe in the simple luxury of feeling the warmth on your skin and attuning to the subtle rhythms of nature around. Every bedroom is made up with organic linens. Each bathroom features organic towels with natural products.
You may book a private king bedroom with your own bathroom, a private queen bedroom with shared bathrooms, a shared queen bedroom {ideal for couples or a friend} or pitch on one of our designated camp sites. WiFi is available on property as needed.
If you have any questions about the accommodation, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
4 Days + 3 Nights
Welcome Circle Ritual
5 Element-inspired Yoga Classes: Solar + Lunar Movement {vinyasa, yin, restorative and yoga nidra}
8 Nourishing Plant Based Meals
2 Natural Dye Workshops: Indigo + Shibori Resist Techniques, Bundle Dying, Ayurvastra + colors of Medicinal Plants
1 Ayurvedic Workshop: Pillars of Health & Longevity
All workshop materials included
Guided Hike + River Cleanse
Sound Bath Meditation
Sunshine medicine, golden milk tonics, but most importantly good company + a slice of Nature’s serenity
Yoga Alliance continuing education hours available for registered yoga teachers {See FAQs below for details}
Sample Schedule
7:00 AM Coffee, Tea, Warm Lemon Water
8:00 - 9:15 AM Asana, Pranayama + Meditation
9:15 - 10:30 AM Nourishing Breakfast
10:30 - 1:30 PM Workshop Series
1:30 PM Nourishing Lunch
2:30 - 5:00 PM River Hike + Free Time + Rest
5:00 - 6:30 PM Restorative / Sound Healing
6:30 - 7:30 PM Light Dinner + Sunset
Check-in: 4:00 PM Thursday // Checkout 11:00 AM Sunday
Accommodation + Pricing
We offer tiered pricing options so you can modify your retreat experience to your personal needs. A non-refundable $350 deposit reserves your spot and flexible payment plans are available. Below is the cost per a person:
Queen Bed Private Room with Shared Bath - Single $1400 / Shared w partner or friend $1200 each - SOLD OUT
King Bed Private Room with Shared Bath- Single $1550 / Shared w partner or friend $1275 each
King Bed Private Room with Private Bath & Tub - Single $1600 / Shared w partner or friend $1350 each - SOLD OUT
Private River Cabin {Queen} with Shared Bathroom - $1450 / Shared w partner or friend $1250 each
Campsite - $900
Locals {no lodging} - $750
Cost includes all workshop materials, organic meals, accommodation, and activities. Transportation to and from retreat location is not included but we will gladly organize carpools from the Bay Area. Deposits are non-refundable. Please read terms and conditions for full details here.
WHAT PEOPLE LOVED ABOUT THIS RETREAT
MEET YOUR GUIDES
GABY COLLETTA | YOGA & AYURVEDA
Gaby is a Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic Health Counselor and Somatic Therapist with over 15 years of practice in integrative wellness. She facilitates nature-based retreats, guides mind-body courses, leads teacher trainings and coaches individuals on how to create an ecosystem of internal resources that support resilience, connection and awakened potential. Her teachings weave together the Ancient wisdom traditions of Tantra and Buddhism with modern-day neuroscience and somatic psychology. Reverence for nature and ritual, embodied presence and deep intention are at the heart of her practices. Gaby is a registered E-RYT 500, YACEP and holds a Masters in Integrative Counseling Psychology.
KRISTIN ARZT | NATURAL DYES & TEXTILES
Kristin is a natural dyer, educator, gardener, and designer based in Maryland. She has taught workshops and led retreats all over the country, served on the board of Local Cloth, and been involved in Fibersheds from Northern California, to the Mid-Atlantic, to the Blue Ridge Mountains. By exploring the collision of textiles, plants, and sustainability, her goal is to help make the study of natural dyes accessible to everyone through education and enthusiasm. Kristin is a lifelong learner, a student and teacher of yoga (RYT 200) and is currently enrolled in her third Yoga Teacher Training program, often combining elements from these teachings into her creative workshops.
Website: www.kristinarzt.com | IG: @kristin.arzt
FAQs
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The Forest Homestead is located a 10 minute drive from Nevada City, 15 minutes to Grass Valley, 20 minutes to Scott’s Flat Lake, 1 ½ hours to Lake Tahoe, Reno and Sacramento and 2 ½ hours to San Francisco and Oakland.
The easiest way to get here is by car. If you’re based out of the San Francisco Bay Area, we are happy to coordinate shared rides + carpools. If you are flying in to join us, the 3 closest airports are Sacramento - SMF, Oakland - OAK, and San Francisco International - SFO. Road-tripping out to our gathering? We’ll send you a list of some of our favorite spots to check out in the area.
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There is no cell reception at the retreat grounds. Consider this a wonderful opportunity for a digital detox! If you need to make any last calls or texts, do so in Nevada City as service becomes limited the closer to the retreat space you get.
There is WiFi available in the Homestead should you need to connect - this is our main retreat space where all meals are served, workshops are held, and most yoga practices.
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Camping at the retreat is nestled amongst the trees on beautiful flattened sites, a short walk from the main retreat house. Bring your own camping gear or rent gear for $25 USD.
Campsites are first come first serve
Parking for campers is approximately 300 feet from campsites (a very short walk)
Campers have an easy access bathroom equipped with a toilet, shower, and two vanity sinks that is inside the Homestead House.
Campers also have access to all other bathrooms and showers on the premise.
Gear rental is $25 USD and includes: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, pillow, solar light and tent.
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Yes! In the Alchemy of Earth Yoga & Ayurveda Immersion students will gain a knowledge of how to apply Ayurvedic principles to daily life and yoga. Through embodied practices, students will experience the energetics of the 5 elements, 3 doshas, and how to live in alignment with the seasons. All teachings will dive into the Ayurvedic understanding of health or "Svastha".
Hours are accrued through:
3 vinyasa practices incorporating a blend asana, pranayama, mudra and mantra to explore the elemental energies within and how balance excess in mind and body
1 Yin practice exploring gentle lunar movement for stress resilience, release and relaxation
1 Yoga Nidra & Sound meditation practice exploring sound as medicine and conscious integration
1 Ayurvedic Wellness workshop exploring wise energy management, seasonal wellness
Food, Diet and Lifestyle teachings throughout the retreat
This course is eligible for 10 continuing education contact hours for Yoga Alliance teachers. 1:1 questions, dialogue and feedback. There is also an opportunity to accuse an additional 5 non-contact hours through a 1:1 mentoring call and an integration assignment contingent on the individual’s teaching goals.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Deposits are non-refundable. Balance is due on March 21, 2026. If you cancel your booking less than 60 days prior to departure, the penalty is 50% of the trip price. Within 45 days of departure, the penalty is 75%. Within 30 days of departure, the penalty is 100%.
Read the Retreat Booking Terms and Conditions here for full details.
Big love + Gratitude to our 2025 Partners!
If you are interested in sponsoring our 2026 retreat, please download our sponsorship deck here.
Many photos captured of the retreat are by Eileen Roche.